After three major hurricanes (Harvey, Irma and Maria) and an earthquake ravaged the Caribbean and the United States Gulf Coast, the Community House staff members held a collection for those in need.
Many staff members have friends and family in the areas that were hit the hardest, including Puerto Rico and Mexico.
The Community House’s Head Start staff members Arianis Marte & Stacey Empric organized a “Food and Essentials Drive” for Puerto Rico and Mexico. “After not hearing from my family for several days and seeing the devastation that occurred in Mexico as well, I knew I could not just sit still and hope that someone would help. Since I could not physically be in Puerto Rico to volunteer, I knew that asking our community for help would turn out to be a success. I am so joyful and humbled by the donations received; this collection became bigger than I envisioned”, said Arianis.
Together, with the help from fellow staff members from all departments, hundreds of essential items were collected and will be delivered to Mexico and Puerto Rico.
In addition, teachers and students from our Children & Youth Services program at Pagels Elementary school raised $200 for hurricane survivors in Texas and Florida. They designed handmade beaded bracelets and sold them to family, friends and teachers for $1. “Their little hands are helping to make a difference”, said Candace Simmons, Head Teacher at Pagels childcare program.
The Community House is one of the largest employers in the city of West Haven with more than 160 full and part time employees, some that have been there for more than 30 years.